Staff shortages at the National Park Service (NPS) due to recent federal layoffs have forced Arches National Park in Utah to shut down one of the most popular hikes in the park: Fiery Furnace. The park initially issued a notice earlier this month saying it would temporarily close the area due to staffing constraints starting March 23, 2025. The idea behind the closure is to protect fragile ecosystems from visitor impact.
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As of Wednesday, March 26, Arches’ website reads: “Fiery Furnace is temporarily closed. No ranger-led tours nor self-guided permits will be issued until further notice. We look forward to offering these services soon.”
When not affected by closures, the only way to enter the Fiery Furnace is with a ranger or with an individual permit. Arches’ website says rangers normally offer Fiery Furnace hikes seasonally from spring through fall and that tickets for these hikes are in high demand.